The show went from just a show that promised a good story to cultural phenomenon after the pilot episode was aired on September 25, 2006. People were talking the very next day about the new show that they had seen and that it was different from what was already being considered for cancellation by NBC. People found themselves sympathizing with the complex characters that all seemed to be connected by more than merely powers and situations.



A hero had proved it as commercially viable, and was simultaneously critically acclaimed. The show had received praise for its constant use of well written plot twists, compelling character journeys, and an intelligently written world at risk plot.

The show was known for a unique writing team that played by no rules as far as story went and kept in contact with fans through a fansite and various websites where they would answer viewers questions (but only to an extent). With the show's reputation secured, and with several award nominations, a second season was a sure thing.

And a sure thing it was. The second season picked up right where the last had left off, offering viewers new mysteries, new characters, and new stars alongside the first season veterans. The new season was just as talked about as the first, and things were going very smoothly for the new season. That is, until November 5th, 2007.

That was the day that the Writer's Guild of America went on official strike after weeks of speculation. The strike, initiated by writers demanding royalties from DVD sales and internet profits, threatened the future of many television programs, and the National Broadcasting Company was, perhaps, hit the hardest. The Strike caused almost immediate shut-down of the new show Bionic Woman and had even put a stop to long time NBC staple Saturday Night Live.

And unfortunately, super powers were incapable of stopping the strike from affecting Heroes. The strike lasted long enough to cause the ratings powerhouse to cut its season short by a half season's worth of episodes, leading the studio to re-shoot the ending of the episode Powerless.

However, this does not spell the end of Heroes. The creator and cast has promised a brand new season as soon as the strike is over, and many are speculating that the hiatus will help make the shows next season a vast improvement.